THE quality of drinking water in the North West is below the national average, according to a new report by a water watchdog.

The Drinking Water Inspectorate checks that water companies supply water which is safe to drink by checking the results of millions of tests carried out by the water companies.

It found that of the 336,135 tests carried out by North West Water in 1998, 99.6 per cent complied with national and European standards, compared with 99.78 per cent nationally.

Remedial action is taking place for those which did not meet the standards.

Dr John Gray, principal inspector for the North West, said: "Although the number of tests meeting the standards is the same as last year, I am disappointed that still leaves 1,429 samples that failed to make the grade.

"There has been an increase in the number of incidents in which consumers received highly discoloured water, largely from iron and manganese deposits in the water mains.

"Although high iron levels are not a health risk, the water is unfit for human consumption and wholly unacceptable to consumers. I am glad to report North West Water has a programme of mains refurbishment to address these particular problems."

A total of 33 incidents of discoloured water were reported to the inspectorate in 1998 - including two in Darwen and one in Blackburn.

Dr Gray said: "Many of them relate to discoloured water arising from the distribution system and all are being investigated."

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